One-Two Punch

Early February brought with it relatively warm temperatures for our area, and another great bar for us to while away the hours at. Knockout by the same folks behind Sparky's Pub is a welcome not just for sporty bears that want to catch the game.

Instead the bar is multi-faceted and includes something for everyone, which will turn it into a quick haunt for anyone looking for a fun place to unwind. Here's how my visit shook out.

The Booze• Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 11 p.m., but the rest of the specials at Knockout aren't anything to sneeze at. Mondays mean Bear Bust All Day with 75 cent Lone Stars, $2 wells and $2 domestics, while Thursday's Brass Knuckle Night features 75 cent wells (I can picture the trouble I'd get into now) from 10 p.m. to close. Cozy up to the bar on Saturday and Sunday for specials on pitchers.

The Ambience• It's hard to define the exact feel of Knockout in part because it's split up into four equally inviting areas. There's the main bar with wood-paneled walls and more than a dozen flat screens (a handful of which are wall-sized projection screens) and a slew of seating options. The back bar provides an intimate space with more gaming such as darts and pool, on the most low-key of settings. Make your way outside — the garage doors are usually open — and settle down on the outdoor area that faces the busy Main Avenue. On our visit, the weather was crisp enough to warrant a sweater on the covered patio, but we all know that'll change in the next few weeks. While still on the patio, pick up an order from Pup's Pizza (more on this later).

Sounds• Aside from sports commentary, the occasional DJ and the house dance songs, you'll find groups chattering away over a slice of pizza or frosty margaritas.

Bites• If you can't make it to the AT&T Center for a Spurs game, or Wolff Stadium for a Missions game, or if the seats at Toyota Field make your bum go numb, you can still enjoy stadium fare at Knockout. Because where else are you going to get nacho rounds with gooey Rico's cheese and spicy pico de gallo? Over at Pup's, which is adorned with a trippy mural of four-legged friends enjoying a day in SA, the options include pizza by the slice and whole pies. At $3 for a cheese pizza, you might not miss those late-night tacos one bit.

If you're not jonesing for cheese, Pup's Specialties include a "Meat Luvers" with pepperoni, sausage, bacon, ground beef and Canadian bacon; "Nacho Pizza" with grilled chicken, jalapeños, pico de gallo and cheddar cheese; "Let's Rodeo" with ground beef, bacon, onions, jalapeños, red peppers; buffalo chicken with buffalo sauce, chicken and blue cheese crumbles; and "Farm To Pizza" for the veg-lovers with red onions, green peppers, red peppers, fresh garlic, feta, mushrooms, spinach and fresh tomatoes. On Wednesdays, a pitcher of Lone Star and one-topping pizza will set you back $18 from 5 p.m. to close. Split it with pals.

Patio• Honestly, the patio makes for excellent people watching. Stay late enough and you'll definitely catch a show or your next significant other while sitting outside and enjoying more of Knockout's specials.

All in all, Main Strip gains a cruise-worthy locale with Knockout and you'll want to celebrate future Spurs wins.